U.S. May auto sales rise slightly despite higher fuel prices

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(Reuters) - May sales of new vehicles in the United States rose an estimated 2 percent as low unemployment and strong consumer confidence helped mitigate the impact of rising interest rates and fuel prices, Ford Motor Co executives said on Friday.

FILE PHOTO: A Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) sign is seen at the U.S. headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S. May 25, 2018. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook

U.S. auto sales have been bumpy this year - down in February, up in March, down again in April - as consumers continue to shift away from sedans into trucks and SUVs, which are generally more expensive and generate higher profits.